But for tuners BBR of Brackley, Northamptonshire, that seems to be only the starting point. After 18 months of development work, it has just announced a range of modifications for the Focus RS as the car reaches the end of its lifecycle.
Phase One consists of a BBR StarChip ECU software upgrade. This is said to improve driveability, especially throttle response. BBR also replaces the induction hose with one made out of silicon, as it found the standard unit would distort under load and restrict airflow. Power increases from the standard car’s 300 bhp (224 kW / 305 PS) to 337 bhp (251 kW / 342 PS), while maximum torque leaps from 440 Nm to 500 Nm. The price in the UK is £595, which seems rather good value.
So, almost on a par with the RS500 / MP350 already, but that’s just the start…
Phase Two, known as the BBR RS355, adds a high-flow intercooler and more replacement hoses, in a bid to free up airflow to and from the turbocharger. The air filter is also upgraded, all of which results in 350 bhp (261 kW / 355 PS) and 512 Nm of torque. Phase Two costs £1,245, and it can be fitted by the owner. Alternatively, BBR will do the installation for an extra £195 while you wait (albeit quite a long wait of four to five hours).
BBR says Phase Three isn’t for the faint hearted! As the BBR RS380 moniker implies, that’s because there’ll be 376 bhp (281 kW / 380 PS) and 526 Nm of torque fighting its way through those poor front tyres. The additional 26 bhp over Phase Two is achieved by replacing the standard exhaust with BBR’s own stainless steel item (which retains a catalytic converter) and changing the fuel injectors to cope with the higher fuelling demands. The ‘DIY’ price is £2,495, and fitting by BBR costs £345.
Finally, there’s Phase Four. BBR swaps the standard turbocharger for its own motorsport-spec item and adds a high-flow fuel pump. The upshot is the BBR RS400, which boasts 398 bhp (297 kW / 404 PS) and a maximum torque figure of 553 Nm. That’s more than a Porsche 911 Carrera S (380 bhp / 420 Nm) or Jaguar XK (379 bhp / 515 Nm) for example, both of which are rear-wheel drive for a reason. Phase Four costs £3,895, plus £595 for fitting, although buyers might also want to budget for some fresh front tyres every month or so?
Alas, BBR hasn’t revealed any performance figures for its RS conversions, but expect anything beyond Phase One to better the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.6 seconds and 160 mph top speed achieved by Ford’s own RS500.
BBR is also offering spring and damper sets for the Focus RS. Surprisingly, perhaps, these have been developed with the aim of improving the ride quality of the car, while lowering it slightly. Prices are £195 and £795 respectively, plus £300 for fitting and geometry set-up.
